30 Years After "Empire"

On May 21, 1980, some would argue the legacy of the "Star Wars" saga was cemented with the release of "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back."

It's fair to say the release of "Star Wars" three years earlier changed film and created a name for George Lucas. But without the last two parts to the trilogy, it's fare to say "Star Wars" wouldn't have created the same enduring legacy it has today. A legacy that survived the tarnish of three ill-fated prequels, a few animated series, and millions of strange conventions.

I love the original "Star Wars" films and have seen them dozens of times, but "Empire" has always been my favorite. It is often counted as a favorite among "Star Wars" fans despite the fact it's regarded as the darkest of the three films. But that could be because there is some hope in the darkness, for it's often been said it's darkest just before the dawn.

"Empire" also has some of the most memorable scenes and sequences. The battle on Hoth, Luke's first meeting with Yoda, Cloud City, and, of course, the mother of all reveals, "Luke, I am your Father."

But it's the dark elements of the film that provide the most intrigue, because they also provide the most hope. All the principle characters in the film suffer in one way or another, but it brings all of them closer. Luke, Leia, Han, Chewy, C3PO, R2D2, even Lando share a bond of suffering that makes their friendships stronger and brings them hope for a brighter tomorrow, even in dismal times.

Though at the end of the film Luke's world has been rocked and he's lost a hand, Han is encased in carbonite, Lando and Chewy are off to infiltrate the enemy and C3PO has barely been put back together, there is a sense of hope about the future.

Paul understood that suffering leads to hope, that trials strengthen our character in ways we can't always fully appreciate at the time. He speaks to that in Romans 5:3-5 saying, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Thirty years ago today, "Empire" first dawned before audiences around the world, and it's still an incredible film today. Sure, we have better special effects now, but good stories stand the test of time.

Since it's Friday, I'd say you could celebrate by catching a new release. But since the big "new" film of the weekend is an unnecessary "Shrek" sequel, you might want to pick up the dvd and spend sometime battling Darth Vader.